I have always loved running water: waterfalls, streams, fountains, springs … It is the blood of the Earth as well as our own. Passing in this small village Castel San Pietro Terme famous for its thermal waters I take stock of fresh water to drink-it is a pleasure to taste this nectar that a few minutes ago was in the heart of the Earth. The source Fegatella was discovered in 1337. It’s healthy for digestive system. There is a park nearby for walks. It is a quiet place.

I discovered Stevia rebaudiana last year- thanks to my friend. I try this low-cost plant without difficulty in the garden.

Stevia has been used for more than 1500 years in the South America as a medicinal herb. The plant is native to the mountains between Paraguay and Brazil. It is easy to cultivate plants and support hot temperature – that is important for me. It is a perennial herb resentment in the cool weather (minimal 35 F). This winter the minimal temperature was -5° C (23°F) and the plant was outside (covered by dried leaves). In case of too cold weather it must be posted in a greenhouse (in pot). It grows well in sunny and middle-sunny position in soft and nutrient soil. It doesn’t need special care. It reproduces by seed (they are tiny and we mixed them with sand to help sow) and by cutting. We can collect and dry all parts of the plant and use them fresh in teas and foods. The dried leaves have a sweetening power from which have 250–300 times the sweetness of sugar.

Economic crisis …. Every cloud has a silver lining. More often people talk about aromatic and medicinal herbs .It is time!

Perhaps not everyone has time to grow a lot of plants, but there are two don’t miss plants: Rosemary and Salvia/Sage. They are resistant to low and high temperatures and drought. They are also beautiful and evergreen plants can live for several years.

Rosemary-is a good condiment as Salamoia bolognese . Rosemary oil is great for toning the skin (put in the jar with olive oil and some rosemary, closed, keep in dark places, from 1 month your oil is ready for use). The rosemary prevents colds, regulates the functioning of the stomach and antidepressant.

Sage o salvia-is excellent with pasta and gnocchi (melt butter over medium heat (i use milk) and add some leaves of sage, salt and sprinkle with the parmesan/other cheese). Simple and tasty dishes have a therapeutic effect (natural antibiotic can prevent a cold or flu virus and stomach pain).

We have prepared our herbal tea (I used the ready herb in pocket). I do not throw the used pocket -it is a great way to tone the skin. Place the cooled bag on her face. The part of the herbal tea I put in the freezer So I’ll have always the ice to refresh my skin in the morning. Wrap the ice in a thin cloth and put it on your face and neck. Sleep go away immediately and the skin begins to breathe. These small, simple things make the difference!

The sea- journey takes about two hours one way. It is sufficient about 30 minutes for admire beautiful hills with clean air. I love nature in all its aspects, but the damp climate of the Pianura Padana pulls me toward the mountain. I start my journey at 8.30 and I take less than one hour to arrive in a special place: it is a thermal pool in the middle of the mountains. The swimming makes my mind freely, and relieving me from the stress. Sound of water flowing… Healthy air…. Yoga…. I am ready for moving forward

Happiness is different from pleasure. Pleasure comes from things. Happiness is not dependant on things, it is not conditional. It is a state of being that comes from inside you – Osho